AIBC News: Issue Number 201
AIBC welcomed the recent visit to Australia by Indonesian President HE Joko Widodo with its clear focus on strengthening trade and economic ties between our two countries.
As National President, I was delighted to represent AIBC at the CEO Forum held in Sydney on 4 July 2023. Held in honour of President Jokowi, this high-level event was attended by Indonesia’s Co-ordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, Co-ordinating Minister of Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, Australian Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic, MP, Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Roger Cook, MLA, as well as chief executives of Australian industry.
The forum provided an excellent opportunity for Australian CEOs to update the President and Indonesian government on their priorities in Indonesia. This included an update from Aspen Medical on its operations in West Java, and presentations from the Vice Chancellors of Deakin University, Western Sydney University and Central Queensland University on the opportunities for collaboration in the higher education sector. Opportunities in the resources and renewable energy sector were also highlighted with presentations by Sun Cable, Carbon Aceh, and BCI Minerals. Engineers Australia briefed the Forum on the opportunity for increased mobility in the engineering sector following the recent signing of a mutual recognition agreement between the two countries.
AIBC was pleased to hear President Jokowi’s comments reinforcing the opportunities for collaboration between Australia and Indonesia across key sectors of the economy, including healthcare and education, and in the renewable energy sector, as each country transitions to a green economy. The President highlighted the potential for integration in the production of batteries, as Indonesia positions itself as a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.
The President also noted the opportunity for Australia to be part of the development of Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara. In this context, AIBC was delighted to receive a briefing from Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), updating the advances that have been made in developing the new capital as a “smart and green city” on the east coast of Borneo in East Kalimantan.
On the advocacy front, AIBC was pleased to have been part of conversations about streamlining visa requirements for Indonesians. AIBC welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that Indonesians will gain access to an extended business visa from three to five years and that arrangements are being put in place for Indonesians to access the frequent traveller’s visa. These will be important steps in facilitating business links and AIBC look forward to further enhancements to ensure visas are affordable and accessible for all Indonesians.
In the coming months, AIBC will be supporting the Indonesian Government as it hosts the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) in Jakarta from 3-4 September, and the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum (AIPIF) from 5-6 September. As chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia has announced its key themes of health architecture, food security, energy security and financial stability – with a focus on post covid recovery and rebuilding, the digital economy and financial sustainability. The Business Summit and Infrastructure Forum will provide an important opportunity for collaboration and dialogue between Indonesian and Australian industry and government and we encourage members to attend. See below for details to register for these events.
AIBC’s State Chapters continue to hold a range of networking and other events, aimed at providing up-to-date market intelligence and connections. AIBC’s Industry Groups (Healthcare; Mining and Energy; Agriculture and Food; Education, Skills and Training and Investment, Finance and Infrastructure) provide a valuable industry sector focus for our membership and stakeholders.
Thank you again for your ongoing support. AIBC is a voluntary organisation which relies on the support of its members. Information on joining AIBC may be found here.
We look forward to connecting with you through our upcoming events and initiatives.
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